Buying Beer On Mlk Day: What You Need To Know

Whether you can buy beer on Martin Luther King Jr. Day depends on where you live. Alcohol laws vary by state, and even by county. Some states, like Texas, have strict laws prohibiting the sale of liquor on Sundays and certain holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Other states, like New York, have more relaxed laws, allowing alcohol sales every day of the week. In most cases, you'll be able to buy beer on MLK Day, but it's always a good idea to check the laws in your specific state and county to be sure.

Grocery and convenience stores in Texas can sell beer and wine between 7 a.m. and midnight, Monday to Friday

Texas has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol, which vary depending on the type of alcohol and the day of the week. These laws are known as "blue laws" and were originally designed to protect Sunday as a day of worship by limiting secular and commercial activities.

Grocery and convenience stores in Texas can sell beer and wine between 7 a.m. and midnight from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, sales are extended by an hour, running from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday morning.

For a long time, Texas law prohibited the sale of beer and wine on Sundays, but this changed in 2021 with the passing of House Bill 1518. Now, grocery and convenience stores are permitted to sell beer and wine from 10 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.

It's important to note that these laws do not apply to liquor sales. Liquor stores in Texas must remain closed on Sundays, as well as on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If one of these holidays falls on a Sunday, the stores must also close on the following Monday. On other days, liquor sales are permitted from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The hours during which alcohol can be consumed in public also vary depending on the day and location. In standard-hours areas, public consumption of alcohol is prohibited from 12:15 a.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Friday, and from 1:15 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturdays. In extended-hours areas, which include certain cities and counties, public consumption is prohibited from 2:15 a.m. to 7 a.m. every day.

These laws are enforced by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), which regulates the alcoholic beverage industry in the state.

Beer and wine can be purchased in supermarkets in some states, but not others

The sale of beer and wine in supermarkets in the United States varies from state to state. Some states allow the sale of beer and wine in supermarkets, while others restrict it to liquor stores or prohibit it altogether.

For example, in Alabama, beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but spirits cannot. In Arkansas, beer and wine can be sold in supermarkets, but only in-state-produced wine is permitted, and spirits are not allowed. On the other hand, states like Alaska and Arizona do not allow the sale of any alcohol in grocery stores.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in supermarkets also differ in terms of the alcohol by volume (ABV) limit. For instance, in Alabama, there is a 6% ABV cap on beer sales, and wine faces a 14.9% ABV limit. In contrast, Texas allows the sale of beer and wine in supermarkets but prohibits the sale of wine with an alcohol content exceeding 17% on Sundays or past 10 pm on any day.

In addition to varying by state, alcohol sales laws can also be subject to local ordinances and county regulations. For example, in Maryland, some counties prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays, while others do not. Similarly, in Texas, the sale of beer and wine in grocery stores is permitted, but the hours of sale may differ depending on the county.

It is important to note that the laws regarding alcohol sales are subject to change, and it is always a good idea to check the most up-to-date information for a specific state or county.

Alcohol can be purchased on Memorial Day in nearly every state

Memorial Day is a time for remembrance and honouring those who have served in the United States military. It is also a day when many Americans enjoy a long weekend and spend time with friends and family, often including alcohol.

Nearly every state permits the sale of alcohol on Memorial Day, which is good news for those hosting backyard barbecues and similar gatherings. However, there are some exceptions and variations to be aware of.

Firstly, state-run liquor stores may be closed, even in states that allow the sale of alcohol. For example, in 2024, Alabama's state-run liquor stores were closed, except for two locations in Orange Beach and Gulf Shore. Idaho's state-run stores were also closed that year, while Iowa's were open but without delivery services.

Secondly, the availability of alcohol can vary by county and municipality. For instance, Kansas's alcohol laws are described as "quite complicated", and some states, like Massachusetts, allow individual cities and towns to restrict on-premises sales before 11 am or after 11 pm.

Therefore, while alcohol can be purchased in nearly every state on Memorial Day, it is advisable to stock up on alcohol early or plan your purchases based on the specific rules of your location.

In Tennessee, grocery stores can sell beer on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, but not wine

Tennessee has some unique liquor laws that can be confusing for residents and visitors alike. In Tennessee, grocery stores can sell beer on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, but not wine. This is because the sale of wine in grocery stores is prohibited on these three holidays, even though it is now legal to sell wine in grocery stores in the state.

Until recently, it was illegal to sell wine in grocery stores in Tennessee at all. However, in 2016, the "wine in grocery stores" law came into effect, allowing grocers to sell wine for the first time. This was the result of years of debate among lawmakers, grocers, the liquor lobby, and alcohol critics. Even after this law was passed, it was still illegal to sell wine in grocery stores on Sundays until 2019. Now, grocery stores in Tennessee can sell wine seven days a week, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

Beer, on the other hand, has long been available in grocery stores in Tennessee, although it cannot be sold before 10 am on Sundays or on Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. This is the same for bars and restaurants, which may serve beer from 10 am to 3 am on Sundays but not on the three holidays. On other days of the week, bars and restaurants may serve beer from 8 am to 3 am.

While Tennessee is not a dry state, it does have a number of dry counties where the sale of alcohol is prohibited or restricted. However, even in these counties, beer is often available in convenience stores and gas stations.

In Texas, it is illegal to sell beer or liquor before 10 a.m. on Sundays

Texas has a set of unique laws regarding the sale of alcohol, which can be confusing, especially for those who are not from the state. These laws are referred to as "Blue Laws" and were originally designed to protect Sunday as a day of worship, limiting commercial activities. While many of these laws have been repealed, restrictions on alcohol sales remain.

The law, however, does not apply to bars and restaurants inside hotels, which are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages to guests at any time of the day. Additionally, certain live events, such as sports events, festivals, fairs, or concerts, can obtain the proper licenses and permits to sell alcoholic beverages between 10 a.m. and noon on Sundays.

It is important to note that Texas liquor stores are closed on Sundays, as well as on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. If one of these holidays falls on a Sunday, the stores must remain closed on the following Monday. Liquor sales are restricted to Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The sale of beer and wine in Texas is allowed in grocery and convenience stores from 10 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. During the week, beer and wine can be purchased from 7 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays.

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